Off Topic — HabitableZone

Off Topic » in reply to Democracy places trust in the people.

re: Democracy places trust in the people.
SDAI-Tech1 — (archived)

The people elect officials to perform a function. Sometimes the function can be performed best without a magnifying glass hovering overhead.

Folks need to realize just how bad things could've been if Gore was VP right now in lieu of Cheney. Gore and Clinton relied on folks like Dick Morris to be their brains. Cheney actually has one and uses it - that scares folks and they fear he must be using it to enrich himself.

But let's look at that premise real closely. Cheney was CEO of HALLIBURTON since 1995 - had all the money he could ever use and total job security. He already had health issues that prevented him from seeking much action or hassle. Bush pleaded for him to join the ticket on advice from his dad, who knew Cheney had a head on his shoulders and would do well in debates.

What in Heck does Cheney get out of being VP other than a quicker trip to the grave? He's been turned from a relatively unknown into some sort of monster. His daughter has been nationally outed by Democrats who love to use homosexuality as a club against their enemies. His previous business ties are now scrutinized by a million and one folks who want to see him rot somewhere.

Cheney, like everyone, gets what's coming to them - but the reality is Cheney, by accepting the role as Bush's VP, has shortened his life and gotten very, very little in return.

While others hold Cheney with contempt, I see a man doing his job the best he can, who is tired of being bullied by the media or members of the opposite party in his old age, is hoding political office only as a favor to Bush senior and the GOP old guard, and lets the PR folks paint him out as a demon if that's how they get their kicks.

Cheney's infamous 'energy meetings' were private long before the 'Energy Task Force' was created by Executive Order in early 2001. He held many of them before being sworn into office and the various parties who contributed to the meetings privacy would be violated by those who want to find out what was discussed.

Cheney being a former CEO of an energy company was obviously using his industry ties to help bring about greater energy security in the US. And, yes, no one should be naive enough to think the members met for solely selfless, patriotic reasons - those meetings were about energy policy, making money and aiding American industry. Most businesses have an ulterior motive for public service, and the energy meetings were no different. Petroleum sector representation was weighted heavily in those meetings. Nuclear proponents were second stringers, but made enough impact to get America to speak favorably of nuclear power again.

Enough off the record talk would embarass certain companies, but no one should believe the oil companies were planning to invade Iraq back in 2000 & 2001. More accurate would be a 'deal' for the Executive branch to throw down obstructions to industry growth and in turn oil industry taxes would 'fuel' revenue to the government in much the same way overinflated corporate stock taxes fixed the deficit in the 1997-1999 period.

Cheney's ties to big oil simply were exploited for the US' benefit.

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